Psi Com
| Company type | Independent |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Psi Com was a post-punk group from the United States that operated during the early 1980s. The lineup included Perry Farrell on vocals, Aaron Sherer on drums, Vince Duran handling guitar duties, and Kelly Wheeler on bass. Recognized within the underground music scene of Los Angeles, Psi Com marked Farrell's initial musical project prior to his later achievements with Jane's Addiction, Porno for Pyros, and the Satellite Party.
History
The formation of Psi Com dates back to 1981, beginning with Vince Duran, bassist Rich "Evac" Robinson (previously part of Afterimage), and keyboardist Mariska Leyssius. Lacking a drummer, the group placed an advertisement in The Recycler. Perry Farrell answered this call and joined as the lead singer in early 1983.
On March 27, 1984, the band produced a three-track demo tape titled Worktape 1 at Pacifica Studios. This recording included the songs "Hopeful," "Them," and "Psi Com Theme," co-produced by the band alongside Tony Cahill, and was distributed at live events. Afterward, Robinson and Leyssius exited the group. The band temporarily relied on a drum machine until Aaron Sherer responded to their drummer advertisement and became a member. Psi Com's first significant live appearance was as the opening act for The Cult at Los Angeles' Music Machine on August 1, 1984.[1] Among their memorable performances was a rooftop concert alongside the Minutemen.
By 1985, Kelly Wheeler joined on bass, completing the ensemble; he relocated to live with Farrell near the vicinity of the University of Southern California. Shortly thereafter, on January 5, 1985, Psi Com performed at the Gila Monster Jamboree in the Mojave Desert, supporting bands such as Sonic Youth, Redd Kross, and the Meat Puppets.[2] Reports indicate that Farrell’s use of drugs affected this particular show.
In the spring of 1985, Psi Com recorded a five-song 12" EP at Radio Tokyo Studios located in Venice, California. Ethan James—recognized for producing the Minutemen’s Double Nickels on the Dime—oversaw these sessions which produced tracks including "Xiola," "Human Condition," "Ho Ka Hey," "Winds," and "City of Nine Gates." The band's gear was distinctive: Wheeler played an Ibanez bass with a small body through an SWR amplifier; Duran utilized a late-1970s Fender Stratocaster paired with a Roland JC120; Sherer performed on DW Drums; while Farrell contributed percussion using unconventional objects and applied vocal effects via an Ibanez DM-1000 echo unit.
In July 1985, Psi Com self-released their eponymous EP under their own label Mohini Records with a pressing of 1,500 copies. Unfortunately, more than half of these records were warped upon arrival from the pressing plant. This setback combined with internal challenges led to the band's breakup by September of that year. Contrary to circulating rumors about Sherer and Duran departing due to converting to Hare Krishna beliefs, interviews have denied these claims.[3]
Post-breakup
Following the disbandment, Farrell remained at their shared residence before initiating Jane's Addiction with Eric Avery in 1985. Wheeler collaborated with musician Dino Paredes, who later became bassist for Red Temple Spirits and served as Vice President of A&R at American Recordings. Meanwhile, Duran and Sherer scaled back their musical activities but continued playing part-time with various local Los Angeles bands; notably, Sherer contributed drums to two tracks on Mazzy Star's 1996 album Among My Swan.
After Jane's Addiction achieved prominence, Psi Com’s EP was reissued on CD format in 1993 through Triple X Records.
A set of three Psi Com demos from 1984—"14th Floor," "Cat" (also known as "In the Holly Grove"), and "Karuna" (also referred to as "Finger Puppets")—recorded at Radio Tokyo Studios surfaced on the Jane's Addiction bootleg CD titled Skin and Bones during the early 1990s. Alternate takes appeared on another bootleg CD called Pigs in Zen. Several live bootlegs featuring Psi Com performances circulated among enthusiasts, including tracks like "Silhouette," "Greedy Was the Beggar," and "Follow the Insated."
EPs
- Psi Com 12" (1985, Mohini; reissued 1993, Triple X Records)
Cassettes
- "Worktape 1" (1984, independently issued)